ABSTRACT
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a risk factor for head and neck cancers (HNC). HPV-related head and neck cancers are preventable through vaccination. This study aimed to assess the attitudes towards HPV vaccination among adults in Poland, with particular emphasis on preventing HPV-related HNC, as well as identifying factors associated with a willingness to vaccinate children against HPV. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in November 2021 on a nationwide, representative sample of 1082 adults in Poland. The computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technique was used. Only 42.5% of respondents were aware that HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease. Less than one fourth of respondents (23.8%) indicated vaccination as an HPV infection prevention method and 51.9% of respondents correctly indicated HPV vaccine-eligible populations. Only 48.1% of respondents declared positive attitudes towards HPV vaccinations and declared that they would vaccinate their child against HPV. Males (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.11−1.85; p < 0.01), respondents who did not have children (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.04−2.14; p < 0.05), as well as those who had received a higher education (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.11−1.85; p < 0.01), had greater odds of indicating positive attitudes towards HPV vaccinations. This study revealed a low level of public awareness of HPV vaccination as a cancer prevention method in Poland.
ABSTRACT
Head and neck cancers (HNC) are the seventh most common cancers worldwide. Early diagnosis of HNC is associated with better outcomes. This study aimed to assess public awareness of HNC among adults in Poland, with particular emphasis on awareness of HNC symptoms and risk factors for HNC. This cross-sectional study was carried out in November 2021 on a nationwide, representative sample of 1082 inhabitants of Poland aged 18 years and over. The computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technique was used. Most of the respondents rated their knowledge of head and neck cancers as "a little" (40.8%) or "nothing at all" (30%). The most identified symptoms were a lump in the neck (57.9%) and swelling or a lump in the throat (51.8%). The most identified risk factor for HNC was smoking cigarettes/tobacco (63.1%). Excessive alcohol consumption and HPV infection were correctly identified as risk factors by about one-third of respondents. Public awareness of selected symptoms of HNC and risk factors for HNC differed by sociodemographic factors, of which the educational level was the most important factor associated with awareness of head and neck cancers (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated low public awareness of head and neck cancers among adults in Poland.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Nasal polyps are a multifactorial inflammatory condition of the upper airways. Nasal polyps typically affect middle-aged and elderly patients, average age at diagnosis is 40 to 60, and men are affected more commonly than women. AIM: To analyse the reported prevalence of nasal polyps in the Polish population, including demographics and co-morbidities, and to estimate the costs of outpatient and hospital (inpatient) services financed by the National Health Fund. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Statistical analysis of data extracted from the National Health Fund (NHF) registers for 2008-2018. RESULTS: In 2018, the recorded prevalence of nasal polyps in Poland was 52.0/10,000 population (0.52%), amounting to 64.6/10,000 (0.65%) in men and 40.2/10,000 (0.40) in women. Nasal polyps were much more frequent in patients aged 55-59 (98.1/10000) and 75-79 years (98.7/10,000). Among men, the highest prevalence was found in the 75-79 age group (164.3/10,000 population), and among women in the 55-59 age group (75.1/10,000). In 2018, the Polish NHF spent PLN 17.2 million (equivalent to EUR 4.0 million/USD 4.7 million) on health services related to the diagnosis of nasal polyps. Hospital services accounted for 77.4% of the total cost. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal polyps are more than one and a half times as prevalent in men than in women. The recorded prevalence of nasal polyps increases with age, with the rates peaking in those between 75 and 79 years old, and is more often in urban than rural areas.
